More than 35 years after a DieHard battery charged a frigid car on a frozen lake in International Falls, Minn., as part of a television ad campaign, the battery brand is back at it.

This time, it’s alkaline.

On Sunday during an ESPN2 broadcast, DieHard will debut its television commercial for DieHard alkaline batteries. Instead of a Chevrolet Chevelle driving across ice, the new commercial will show a battery-powered remote control car.

Most hardware stores and home centers along the Eastern Seaboard ran out of D-Cell batteries early on Friday as residents prepared for the expected arrival of Hurricane Irene. Typically not a fast-turning item, the big round batteries are essential for full-sized flashlights and portable radios.

The latest addition to Makita's LXT Series of lithium-ion-powered tools is the new cordless die grinder.

“With 25,000 RPM and 18 volts of lithium-ion power, it is another trade solution for pros working in plumbing, automotive, service and maintenance," said Ethan Haughawout, Makita product manager, cordless tools.

Canadian distributor and retailer RONA introduced an alkaline-battery charger that works for regular disposable batteries. This new product, available under the RONA ECO brand, has been analyzed by the International Chair in Life Cycle Assessment at École Polytechnique de Montréal.

The device can recharge four AA or AAA batteries at a time. The recharge time only takes 90 minutes, and the charger can recharge the same battery up to 200 times, raising the average life expectancy of a battery from eight hours to 1,600 hours, according to RONA.

Advancements in battery technology, more efficient tool engineering and ergonomic design have transformed the power tools segment in recent years. But this golden age of development and innovation hasn’t translated into sales growth, because all the major categories are in retreat, according to consumer data from The NPD Group.

Mooresville, N.C.-based Lowe’s announced today it has installed recycling centers in 1,700 stores in the continental United States.

The new centers offer a free and convenient way for customers to recycle rechargeable batteries, cell phones, CFLs and plastic shopping bags in an easy-to-use bin near the store entrance the company said.